Source: Team_Talk
Smith faces big job filling Boyd void
Walter Smith knows that replacing Kris Boyd is a sizeable task after admitting his top scorer would be leaving Rangers this summer.[LNB] Smith revealed there was "no doubt" Boyd would depart after coming to the end of his contract, with clubs such as Birmingham able to offer "much higher" wages than Rangers.[LNB]Boyd, who has also been linked with Wigan, Newcastle and Middlesbrough plus Turkish clubs Kayserispor and Trabzonspor, has scored 165 goals for Rangers since arriving from Kilmarnock in January 2006.[LNB]Speculation surrounding the 26-year-old's future reached the stage this week where Celtic issued a statement denying they had ever considered signing him.[LNB]Smith's decision to stay on for one extra season heightened optimism that Boyd would also extend his Ibrox career but his departure had been expected by David Edgar, spokesman for the Rangers Supporters Trust.[LNB]"I think the informed chatter for the last few months was that he was heading out the door," Edgar said.[LNB]"His body language at the end of the season indicated he was coming to the end of his time at Ibrox.[LNB]"We are obviously disappointed, he has been a terrific goalscorer, but we wish Kris Boyd all the best in the future and thank him for his service.[LNB]"He's a Rangers fan and the fans identified with him. He signed a contract which he saw out and, with his goalscoring performances, no-one can argue that £400,000 was not a good piece of business.[LNB]"He is right to try his luck elsewhere and from what we read he has been offered significantly more money elsewhere. Who knows, maybe we will see him back at Rangers one day."[LNB]News of Boyd's departure would have been met with more doom last week before Smith agreed a new deal and chief executive Martin Bain revealed funds would be set aside to allow the 62-year-old to strengthen his squad.[LNB]Rangers supporters can now anticipate the arrival of another striker to supplement the likes of Kenny Miller and Kyle Lafferty.[LNB]Lafferty, who has long yearned for an extended run in his favoured central role, netted five goals in the last seven matches of Rangers' triumphant Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign while Miller hit 21 in one of the best seasons of his career.[LNB]"Kenny Miller had an excellent season and I speak as someone who was critical of the decision to bring him back," Edgar added.[LNB]"He has really won over the supporters. Kyle Lafferty is a young guy who has shown glimpses of why Walter Smith paid so much for him.[LNB]"Steven Naismith has never really got a chance up front. But Nacho Novo has left too so we need additions up front.[LNB]"There are rumours around about David Goodwillie, who had an excellent season with Dundee United. It's exciting that Walter is able to rebuild.[LNB]"For Walter to achieve what he has, and with a stagnant playing squad, is exceptional. He really needs now to be able to bring players in.[LNB]"It's a good side, they have been champions for two seasons but every football club needs a turnover of players.[LNB]"It stops players resting on their laurels and keeps things competitive. There was always going to be a player turnover this summer."[LNB]However, Smith will be hopeful that more players do not depart, with uncertainty surrounding his central defence.[LNB]Andy Webster has returned from a season-long loan with Dundee United but Danny Wilson looks set to leave amid interest from Liverpool and 40-year-old David Weir is yet to reveal his plans.[LNB]Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra has long been linked with a move away while Kirk Broadfoot is considering a new contract offer.[LNB]Smith has also seen Novo, DaMarcus Beasley and Stevie Smith leave since the end of the season and admits he will have a smaller squad to work with next term.[LNB]Smith will need a new chief scout for his recruitment drive after Ewan Chester moved to the same role at Norwich City, where he teams up with former Celtic skipper Paul Lambert, who led the Canaries to the League One title.[LNB]Chester told Norwich's official website: "Walter Smith has been something of a mentor to me and he said 'Ewan, you are leaving as a champion'.[LNB]"He also agreed with me that it was a great opportunity as well.[LNB]"Norwich is a very progressive club and everything I have heard about them has been really positive and it's a challenge I'm really looking forward to."
